Nursing homes in rural communities are lagging in health IT solutions and services, as compared to facilities in urban areas, according to a study by the University of Missouri in Columbia.
The researchers conducted a national assessment of IT sophistication in nursing homes. They found that nursing homes located in metropolitan areas had improved IT laboratory capabilities for resident registration and admission. Additionally, urban area-based nursing homes more effectively conducted and verified medical tests.
The researchers published their findings in the Journal of Rural Health. TheAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality supported the research.
"As competition for experienced health care IT professionals increases in urban areas, rural health care organizations are finding it difficult to compete for needed talent," said Greg Alexander, PhD, RN, a professor in MU's Sinclair School of Nursing. "Policy makers need to be aware of the unique challenges facing rural health organizations and provide the necessary incentives to help rural nursing homes improve their IT sophistication. Improvement of IT sophistication will lead to better patient outcomes and a better quality of life for nursing home residents."